The Business of Architecture*

Association of Consulting Architects Australia

* The ACA leads the discussion on business and employment matters in Australian architecture - we provide timely advice, information and resources; promote debate and advocate for better business practices and legislative frameworks. Welcome to the conversation.

ACA – SA has a number of events and activities planned for 2018. John Held gives us a quick rundown on recent news and upcoming plans.

ACA Breakfast

On the 13 February, over 30 members gathered for breakfast at the Adina to meet new National ACA President, Kieran Wong, and hear his vision for ACA for the next five years.

41 and counting

ACA – SA recently celebrated our 41st member – a record! We have had strong growth over the last three years, and hope to continue to be a relevant voice for practices in SA.

Keith Neighbour Study Group

The Keith Neighbour Study Group has returned – a valuable resource for all graduates intending to sit for their registration examinations in the coming year. Founded in 2012 in memory of past ACA – SA President Keith Neighbour, the group has so far had 141 participants. From each group, one or more graduates have gone on to mentor the next intake. If you have anyone in your office looking to register, ask them to contact Ian Hore

ACA NEC Meeting

The ACA National Executive met in Melbourne on 11 and 12 February. Simon Thomson and John Held were the SA reps – there were a series of good discussions about our goals for the year.

DECD Procurement Group

We met prior to Christmas with Rick Persse and Ross Treadwell of DECD and Paul Viney, ACA – Vic/Tas President, and again recently with John Scalzi, head of DECD procurement. This was followed up by a meeting with Kieran Wong, Ross Treadwell and John Scalzi last week to explain procurement trends in WA. There is definitely a trend towards ‘traditional’ procurement and a better understanding of risk in both Victoria and WA.

We believe there is a great opportunity to construct a new procurement system based on sound principles of risk sharing and simplification of process. We will keep you up-to-date with information as it becomes available.

Branch Elections

Elections will occur this year – it’s an opportunity to get more involved in our work. Contact John Held if you are interested.